(Central Square) – A cardiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital was criticized by Gov. Greg Abbott after posting a TikTok video advising potential patients that they don’t need to follow the governor’s executive order. after abbot weighed I’m saying The hospital issued a statement supporting the order, saying organizations that do not comply risk losing funding.
The problem is that presidential order In the move, Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to collect information on illegal aliens receiving inpatient or emergency care in public hospitals in Texas. HHSC also requires annual reporting of all inpatient and emergency care costs. illegal Foreigners to the Governor and State Legislature for The state seeks compensation from the federal government.
Dr. Tony Pastor, assistant professor and cardiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, posted the following video. TikTok, has since been removedmedical staff claimed that “people were told they didn’t actually need to answer any questions today.” he also said, His “suggestion to everyone watching this: please know that you don’t have to answer this question.”
he Also added, “won’t do that I would be surprised if everyone who came didn’t answer that. Really mess up the data that are they looking? ”
According to online archives, the pastor, who describes himself as a “gay doctor,” said in a Nov. 22 video, “Governor Abbott announced that starting Nov. 1, all patients visiting hospitals must be boxed.fundamentally, It says on the intake form, “Are you a U.S. citizen or do not have Are you a US citizen? ‘…It was very uncomfortable for all of us, the doctors and the health care workers. no one will tell us I plan to What should we do with this information?” he added. data may be used For purposes of deportation.
order give specific instructions Hospitals must inform patients that federal law requires that any answers to such questions do not affect medical care.
In response, Governor Abbott I replied with X“Hello, Texas Children’s Hospital.” & Baylor College of Medicine, this doctor is putting your Medicaid and Medicare funds at risk. You better think about it & There is a very clear record. There will be consequences for failure to follow the laws set forth in the executive order. ”
abbot gave an order In August, he blamed the Biden administration for the border crisis. increase Costs to taxpayers, including medical costs. “Texans should not have to bear the burden of financially supporting the health care of illegal immigrants,” he said. He also said He argued that the federal government should reimburse Texas for costs related to illegal immigration.
“The federal government may and should be obligated to reimburse Texas for the costs that open border policies have imposed on Texans, costs that the state has no notice of. , which was not foreseen when we agreed to the health care funding sharing mechanism, which assumes the federal government will follow federal law.”
Abbott’s order references a disaster declaration he issued on May 31, 2021, in response to a surge in illegal border crossers in Texas. and Ongoing and imminent threat of disaster some counties in texas for to all state agencies affected by this disaster. ”
The order directs acute care hospitals enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and additional health care providers identified by HHSC, to collect the required information beginning November 1, 2024 .
It also directs covered hospitals to report the required data to HHSC on a quarterly basis, with an initial submission deadline of March 1. 2025; and to report the required data annually to the Governor and the head of the Legislature beginning January 1, 2026.
In response to Abbott’s comments, Texas Children’s Hospital issued a statement saying the physicians’ personal views do not represent the hospital and the hospital abides by them.
“Texas Children’s fully supports Governor Abbott’s new executive order and is in full compliance.”it said. “We have worked closely with the Texas Hospital Association and industry partners across the state to ensure compliance. in advance Effective date. Although we recognize that those who work at Texas Children’s Center hold their own mission; own These are my personal views on many topics and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Children’s Hospital. We will continue to prioritize patient care, fully compliant Follow all laws and legal instructions. ”
The order was then issued maximum Approximately 14 million people cross the border illegally. reported Center Square, a landmark in U.S. history under the Biden administration reported.
